Clarets' supremo Barry Kilby is anticipating the creation of Premiership Two - and he wants Burnley to be in it.

The Turf Moor chairman believes a second tier to the existing top-flight isn't too far away with the leading Nationwide League clubs joining forces with the existing Premiership set-up.

And he believes it's vital for Burnley to be in a position to claim a place in the expanded Premiership, if it becomes reality, and the revenue that will go with it.

"It's something I feel is coming over the hill. The wind is in that direction," said Kilby.

"All the wealth would then be concentrated in those two leagues and the rest really would be in the cold.

"For those outside it would be really hard to get national coverage and television money."

The money from Sky Television coverage and sponsorship deals associated with the Premiership has generated millions of pounds for clubs at the top end of the game.

And Kilby wants a slice of that action in his bid to re-establish Burnley as a major force.

"It's vital we get into that structure," he added.

Therefore Burnley would need to regain First Division status to be included in any expansion plans if they were to materialise. The slow start to this season has made a play-off challenge a long-shot this time around.

But with Stan Ternent now able to spend on the type of players he wants, thanks largely to Kilby's £3 million investment in the club, then if the Clarets don't make it this time they will expect to mount a serious challenge in the year 2000.

"I would be extremely disappointed if we weren't," Kilby added.

Michael Williams is expected to get another chance to secure a move to First Division Oxford United.

The transfer-listed Burnley man has been on trial at the Manor Ground this week. But his hopes of impressing manager Malcolm Shotton in a mid-week reserve game against Charlton Athletic were dashed by the weather.

Shotton is keen to take a further look at the former Sheffield Wednesday utility player, however, and hopes to include him in a reserve fixture at Chelsea next Monday night.

Mark Robertson made the starting line-up for the Australian under-23 side for their latest build-up match ahead of the Sydney Olympics next year.

But the Clarets' midfielder wasn't able to stop the Olyroos losing 1-0 to South Korea in Melbourne.

The two sides meet again next Friday before Robertson flies back to re-join Ternent's squad.

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